Overview
- Newman defeated Yuya Uemura in the March 21 final in Nagaoka after a 25-minute match capped by his Make Way finisher.
- The championship match is officially booked for April 4 at Ryōgoku Sumo Hall, with reigning titleholder Yota Tsuji defending.
- NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi presented the trophy to Newman, who declared himself New Japan’s ace in his post-match remarks.
- Semifinals on March 20 saw Newman beat Shota Umino with the Prince’s Curse, while Uemura advanced by defeating Oleg Boltin with a Deadbolt and two High Crosses.
- Newman’s run included wins over OSKAR, Hartley Jackson, and Hirooki Goto, while Uemura reached the final by defeating Great-O-Khan, Drilla Moloney, and Shingo Takagi.